Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool 'made contact' with £42m midfielder but deal now 'unlikely'

Fabrizio Romano has claimed Liverpool have made contact with the agents of Atalanta midfielder Ederson but no talks are ongoing at the current time.

The Brazilian has just enjoyed the best spell of his career, winning the Europa League as well as earning his first appearance for Brazil. His stock has never been higher and, according to Caught Offside, the 24-year-old is said to be available for £42m. Having earned a strong reputation, Ederson has been quizzed over his future and he revealed his feeling about a move away. “I’m happy at Atalanta, my focus is on Brazil now. I like Italy but I’m also curious about the Premier League. The only possibility to leave is if Atalanta receive a proposal and then… they decide, it’s up to Atalanta.”

And Romano has since revealed that Liverpool have had contact with his agent but no official talks have continued at the time being. “Ederson – The Atalanta midfielder has responded to the links with Liverpool, but what’s the situation? Liverpool made contact with his agents weeks ago but never started any negotiation, they didn’t send a bid so far, there are no talks ongoing at this stage,” Romano said told Caughtoffside. “We have to see if they will include Ederson in their shortlist or not, it’s really early for this and there are no meaningful changes to the situation so far. Atalanta, meanwhile, don’t want to lose both Ederson and Koopmeiners.”

He managed seven goals and one assist across 51 appearances, starting 32 in Serie A. His all-round game would have impressed the higher-ups at Liverpool and his energy and ability to cover large distances would have gone hand-in-hand in a Jurgen Klopp side.

However, Arne Slot has a large midfield core of options to choose from and it is unlikely that another will be added. The club are said to be targeting a centre-back as priority this summer which suggests Ederson is unlikely to move this summer.